Field Hockey Field Diagram and Positions

A field
hockey
field,
often
called
the
“pitch,”
has
some
important
markings:

Sideline:
Boundary
along
the
length
of the
field.
Balls
that
cross
the
sideline
result
in a
side-in.

End
line:
Boundary
along
the
width
of the
field.
Balls
that
cross
the
end
line
result
in a
long
hit,
penalty
corner,
or 16-yard
hit.
The
goal-line
is the
part
of the
end
line
between
the
goal
posts.

Center
line:
Divides
the
field
in half.

25-yard
line:
Intentional
fouls
between
this
line
and
the
end
line
result
in a
penalty
corner.

Striking
circle:
For
a goal
to count,
shots
must
be taken
from
within
the
striking
circle
or deflect
off
an offensive
player
within
the
circle.
Also
called
the
“D.”
Fouls
within
the
circle
result
in penalty
corner.
The
5-yard
mark
is five
yards
outside
of the
circle
and
penalty
corners
end
when
the
ball
crosses
this
line.

Penalty
stroke
line:
Penalty
strokes
are
taken
from
this
mark.

Substitution
area:
Substitutions
may
take
place
during
the
game
through
this
area
only.
The
player
must
exit
the
field
before
her
replacement
enters
the
field.

Positions

There
are
11 players
on the
field
per
team,
including
the
goalie
and
10 field
players.
Formations
often
consist
of four
forwards,
three
halfbacks,
three
fullbacks,
and
one
goalkeeper,
known
as a
4-3-3
formation.
Variations,
such
as the
5-3-2,
are
also
used,
depending
on the
coach’s
strategy.

Forwards:
Primary
scorers
who
spend
most
of their
time
between
the
midfield
and
the
opponent’s
goal.

Midfielders:
Must
be able
to play
both
defense
and
offense
and
have
the
stamina
to run
the
field
in the
transition
between
offense
and
defense.
Also
called
“links.”

Fullbacks:
Primarily
defend
the
opposing
forwards
and
attempt
to clear
the
ball
when
it gets
close
to the
goal.
Some
coaches
assign
a single
defender,
called
a “sweeper,”
who
plays
closest
to her
own
goal
behind
the
fullbacks.

Goalie:
Stands
in front
of goal
to block
shots
with
her
body
and
stick.
Must
have
quick
reflexes
and
ability
to communicate
defensive
strategies
to teammates